Giants youngsters target Carnegie Floodlit Nines

SEVERAL members of the Giants side that performed so heroically at St Helens in Super League last Friday will be in action at tonight’s Carnegie Floodlit Nines at Headingley as Huddersfield bid to defend their crown.

SEVERAL members of the Giants side that performed so heroically at St Helens in Super League last Friday will be in action at tonight’s Carnegie Floodlit Nines at Headingley as Huddersfield bid to defend their crown.

With the senior squad preparing for Saturday’s Challenge Cup final, Head of Youth Performance Damian McGrath will take the coaching.

And he will be in charge of a side that will include the likes of Elliott Hodgson, Alex Brown, Josh Griffin, Thomas Hemingway, Keal Carlile and Larne Patrick, who all performed superbly at Knowsley Road before falling narrowly to a 12-10 defeat.

“We’re putting a fairly strong team out and many of them will be looking to stake another claim to play in Super League,” said McGrath.

“And we are, of course, going there as defending champions and that’s not something we plan to give up easily.

“I think anything that enhances and puts a great emphasis on skill is fantastic for the game and I think it’s important that young players recognise that.

“I can see the concept growing and establishing its own unique place in the Rugby League calendar.”

The event gets under way at 4.30, with the Giants’ in action in the quarter-final at 7.30.

They play the winners of Group B, made up of Army RL, the Royal Navy and Northern Rail Nines winners Blackpool.

Standing tickets for the event are £10 for adults and £5 concessions (seniors/students). It’s free for Under 16s.